When Kodi first debuted as XBMC, which stands for Xbox Media Center, it found its audience among gamers. Xbox users were looking for a way to use their systems to not only play video games, but also to watch TV and stream other media.

Kodi filled that role. It did it so well that the platform soon expanded. Today, anyone can download Kodi—for free—for use on a variety of operating systems and devices to better organize and enjoy one’s media collection.

What is Kodi? Briefly, it’s a software application that functions as a media player. Kodi works on just about any device to play all kinds of content like videos, pictures, music, and more. The most popular way people use Kodi is to stream TV from the internet — including live TV, live sports, TV shows, and movies. Kodi a popular choice over Windows Media Center for Home Theater PCs. The platform can be personalized and customized in a wide variety of ways.

Kodi is increasing in popularity. The free, elegant, well-regarded media center platform is steadily gaining users and industry cache. In 2014, Kodi (then still XBMC) was awarded “Best Media Player” by Lifehacker, among other awards and nods. (See our Kodi review for our take on the user experience, available content, and other metrics.) But is Kodi legal? Is Kodi illegal? Many wonder about the legal issues surrounding the software and, in particular, some popular Kodi add-ons.

There are thousands of Kodi add-ons and plug-ins available to further enhance its function. That includes accessing media streaming services like YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, and much more.

Kodi is not only free, but also open-source. Developed by the XBMC Foundation, a non-profit consortium, the platform is meant to be available for anyone to use and enjoy. But the fact that it’s open source has also opened the door for some questionable uses and security vulnerabilities.

The Legal, And Sketchy, Ways Some People Use Kodi

Is Kodi legal? The popular platform can be used in some controversial ways.

But Amazon pulled that app last year, saying Kodi can be “used to facilitate the piracy or illegal download of content.” And it certainly can. Kodi’s open-source development platform means anyone with the know-how can create add-ons and plugins for Kodi. And there are a lot of them that run toward a legal gray area.

In fact, many of the most popular Kodi add-ons — like Exodus, 1Channel, Sports Devil, and others that let you watch paid TV without paying — are of highly questionable legality. So much so that, if you use these add-ons without also using a VPN with Kodi to stream safely and privately, you’re taking a big risk. (NordVPN is routinely rated the best VPN for Kodi, by both users and security experts.) For more, see Do I need a VPN for Kodi?

The ‘Kodi Is As Legal As A Computer’ Argument

The presence of third-party add-ons complicates things, but doesn’t make Kodi illegal. As the argument goes, Kodi is no more illegal than a computer. It can be used in illegal ways. But the technology itself doesn’t violate any laws in the US, Canada, the UK, or other countries.

There are two major problems with the ‘computer argument.’ Yes, if a person uses a computer for illegal activities, it obviously doesn’t mean computers are illegal. However, the individual can still get in big legal trouble for doing whatever they were doing on the computer. Same goes for Kodi. And this is really what users are concerned about.

Plus, Kodi is more similar to Popcorn Time than a computer. And the Feds dismantled Popcorn Time under pressure from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and others.

The second problem with the ‘computer argument’ and major threat to Kodi’s legality could turn out to be versions of it that contain—without a commercial license—certain software snippets. These snippets can unscramble the Content Scramble System with which many DVDs are encrypted.

Many wonder whether Kodi could be next in the crosshairs as it continues to rise in popularity — a trigger for attracting the attention of the Feds. The Kodi Foundation maintains an unambiguous stance against illegal streaming, and purges bootlegged content from the official add-on repository. However, a zealous prosecutor could try to pin liability on Team Kodi for not being more aggressive in targeting illegal content made available by third parties. So far, though, no one has stepped up to take any legal action against Kodi.

The ‘It’s Not Illegal If You Don’t Download Anything’ Argument

This is a common argument. As long as you don’t download any content there’s nothing to worry about, it posits. Unfortunately, powerful entities like Netflix, HBO, ESPN, Showtime, Amazon, and others disagree. There are reasons to think the law will take their side.

Comparable examples from the music industry have gone the way of the copyright holders. The argument is unlikely to hold up any better with Kodi. In fact, it recently had a major hole blown in it.

In March of this year, the UK’s Premier League secured a court order to go after Kodi pirates who stream their content without permission. It’s a historic move to combat streaming — that’s streaming, not just downloading — of copyrighted content on Kodi. Premier may pave the way for broadcasters in the US and elsewhere to follow suit.

In time, or with under any pressure or scrutiny, this argument will almost certainly be completely obliterated, and current laws changed to correct what many see as a ‘loophole.’

Can You Get In Trouble For Using Kodi?

Whether the developers who create the questionable add-ons, or the people who use them to watch copyrighted content without permission, are in violation of any laws is another big question. Copyright holders in the US, UK, and elsewhere would certainly say yes. And while users may think that because they’re not downloading content — just streaming it online — they aren’t violating copyright law, that’s not how many legal agencies see things.

In fact, through some probable collaboration, Internet Service Providers now make a habit of sending alarming copyright infringement letters to customers who appear to be engaged in questionable streaming on Kodi. ISP tracking is routine all around these days. Plus, in the US, a new law now allows ISPs to collect, store, and share customer data with third parties — including websites customers visit and content they view. The implications for anyone streaming TV from controversial, “pirated” sources are disturbing. ISP tracking and data collection can be prevented, at least, by using a VPN with Kodi or anytime you’re online to hide your IP address.

So can you get in trouble for using Kodi to stream copyrighted content? The short answer is yes. If someone wanted to push it, you probably could. The good news is that it can be difficult to pinpoint the precise offense per today’s laws. Plus, simply locating violators can be a headache, as most developers use screen names and users who take steps to stay anonymous and secure when using Kodi can’t be detected at all.

Is Kodi Legal Or Illegal? The Debate Continues

Is Kodi legal in the US? The answer depends on how it’s used, and how much liability one places on the technology itself. The same likely holds for Canada, the UK, Australia, Ireland, and other countries.

Interestingly, the fact that Kodi is a “blank slate” platform is used as an argument for both its legality and illegality. As a blank slate, opponents argue, Kodi makes it too easy for users to stream copyrighted content without the copyright holder’s permission. But, as a blank slate, it isn’t any more responsible for improper use than, say, YouTube, the other side maintains.

Further in support of Kodi being legal: It doesn’t host any content, and the Kodi Foundation doesn’t profit from it. It’s open-source and operates under a General Public License that guarantees the freedom to use, copy, and modify the software. Kodi is protected by the Communications Decency Act, and Team Kodi does remove add-ons that facilitate illegal streaming from the official repository.

On the other side, many argue the Kodi Foundation’s official stance against illegal streaming is more words than action, and that it doesn’t make an honest effort to stamp out all third-party add-ons that facilitate copyright violation. And so, the debate about Kodi’s legality goes on, with no real end in sight.

Related FAQs About Kodi’s Legality

Is a Kodi box legal?

Is Kodi legal when used on a Kodi box? A Kodi box could be any media streaming device that has the Kodi app installed. Streaming devices are obviously not illegal, nor is installing Kodi on any device. However, some boxes are sold specifically for Kodi, and come pre-loaded with third-party add-ons that facilitate illegal streaming. The government and copyright watchdogs are increasingly cracking down on “Kodi-loaded” boxes — even arresting sellers. In the US, Amazon has been purging Kodi boxes from its digital shelves. Bottom line: Using Kodi to stream free TV is a risky endeavor without using a VPN stay private — whether on a streaming box, computer, phone, tablet, or any other device.

The Kodi add-on Exodus contains streams that may violate copyright protections in the USA and elsewhere. If you use Exodus, check whether the content you’re watching is openly available for free. If it isn’t, then there may be a legal problem — although this is very unsettled territory. It’s recommended anyone who uses Exodus use a VPN to stay anonymous.

Is Kodi Genesis legal?

Like Exodus, the Genesis add-on may also contain streams of copyrighted material. The legality of this is unclear, but users should take precautions to stay private while using Genesis.

Which Kodi add-ons are illegal?

It’s not certain that any Kodi add-ons are illegal under current law — but many third-party add-ons do stream copyrighted content without the copyright holder’s permission. Some examples of add-ons that may violate copyright law are Phoenix, 1Channel, Exodus, Genesis, SportsDevil, cCloud TV, and UK Turks Playlist. A good litmus test is to ask yourself if you are watching paid content for free. If so, then the add-on you’re using could be engaging in copyright infringement and you could be at risk while using it. Nobody can predict if/when Kodi users who stream copyrighted material may start to be targeted by legal agencies. It’s smart to always use a VPN with any third-party add-on to hide your identity and prevent tracking of your activities.

Is Kodi legal in Canada?

Laws regarding streaming are currently quite vague, as discussed. That includes Canadian laws; they are unclear and confusing. While the bare-bones Kodi software is legal in Canada, as it currently is in the US and everywhere else, using Kodi to stream copyrighted content without paying for it may not be legal in Canada. Canadians who use third-party add-ons should take precautions to stay private and secure.

Is a Kodi VPN legal?

Yes. VPNs are widely used for online security and privacy, and are completely legal when used with Kodi and anything else.

Is Kodi Safe?

The question ‘Is Kodi legal?’ is often followed by ‘Is Kodi safe and secure?’

Unfortunately, by itself, Kodi is not safe. There are a number of known security vulnerabilities on Kodi that leave users open to getting hacked. That includes getting system-wide viruses, as well as privacy breaches whereby Kodi users’ personal information is stolen. A recent post on the official Kodi website acknowledged the problem:

Over the past few years it’s become clear that many users have been watching pirated content using unofficial and unsupported add-ons … and they are installing add-on repositories whose trustworthiness is questionable, leaving themselves open to numerous security exploits.

Most of the attacks are what’s called “man-in-the-middle” attacks. That’s when a hacker breaks into the connection between you and Kodi. From there, the attacker can wreaks havoc, with the potential to see all your personal data and corrupt your network.

It’s a shame. But not too surprising hackers and scammers would use Kodi — a free, popular platform — to attack users. But there is a simple way to thwart the bad guys and stay secure on Kodi. The good VPNs use security and privacy protections that work so well even the VPN provider can’t see users’ private data or penetrate their networks (Side note: protection comes with a bonus; a VPN also works to unblock Kodi TV add-ons.)

Bottom line: Is Kodi legal? Yes, for now. Kodi is an amazing, versatile, powerful platform that offers users a wealth of quality entertainment. But Kodi comes with real legal and security concerns. People can (and often do) use Kodi in potentially illegal ways. Even for those who use Kodi in standard, sanctioned ways, there are no guarantees, as the Kodi community acknowledges. If you use third-party add-ons the risk increases dramatically.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you use a VPN to stay safe, secure and private. Check out our comparison of the top VPNs for Kodi. I personally use NordVPN and have never had a problem or complaint. It’s a PC Magazine Editor’s Choice 2017-2015, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. (Right now, you can get their spring deal — $3.29/mo for 2 years — or get it anytime for $5.75/month for an annual account.) The already-awesome Kodi is even better when you eliminate the privacy and security risks.

‘IS KODI LEGAL’ RECAP

Is Kodi legal in the US? The answer depends on how it’s used, and how much responsibility is placed on the technology itself. Kodi is one of the best TV streaming platforms out there — free, versatile, and powerful — but definitely raises some tricky legal questions, and has known security vulnerabilities. The same holds for Canada, the UK, Australia, and other regions. Users should protect themselves by following these steps.

Arguments Kodi Is Illegal

+ Some of Kodi’s most popular add-ons make it very easy for users to watch copyrighted TV, movies and sports without the copyright holder’s permission
+ The core Kodi platform is a ‘blank slate,’ which makes it too easy for users to stream copyrighted content
+ Kodi may contain software that can unscramble encrypted DVDs, a potential violation of DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act)
+ The Kodi Foundation has an official stance against illegal streaming but doesn’t do enough to remove third-party add-ons that facilitate it

Arguments Kodi Is Legal

+ Countless technology products can be used in illegal ways — but that doesn’t make the product itself illegal
+ Kodi doesn’t host any copyrighted content and therefore doesn’t violate DMCA
+ Kodi is an open-source platform, and the Kodi Foundation doesn’t profit from it
+ Kodi operates under a General Public License which guarantees users the freedom to use, copy, and modify the software
+ Kodi is protected by the Communications Decency Act
+ The Kodi team removes questionable add-ons from the official Kodi repository
+ Kodi is a ‘blank slate’ platform — and therefore free from liability (the way YouTube isn’t liable when users upload copyrighted videos)

+ It’s highly recommended you use Kodi with a VPN, an online security and privacy protection tool, to stay secure and anonymous (hidden from hackers and anyone else spying on your activities)
+ NordVPN is a best-rated VPN for Kodi, by both security experts and users

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